7:07pm | One of the most satisfying meals from start to finish – that’s how I would sum up my recent trip to Baba Ghanouj. Every dish was delicious. How many times can you say that? Far too few in my experience.
Baba Ghanouj is one of many restaurants in Long Beach to serve Middle Eastern food but it stands out in several ways.
First, Baba Ghanouj transports you worlds away from the Atlantic Corridor of Bixby Knolls while you’re dining. The restaurant is dimly lit, brightly painted and full of lamps, paintings and ethnic music that make you forget that your steps away from a busy street.
Second, this is Lebanese Restaurant – not a generic Middle Eastern restaurant. Lebanon is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Israel and Syria. It has been at the crossroads of European and Asian civilizations for over 7,000 years. The cuisine is rich is spices and flavors and provides a rich history upon which to draw.
The owner, George Mitri is from Lebanon, and credits his mother with teaching him how to cook Lebanese food. He recently returned to his roots and opened Baba Ghanouj two years ago after spending the last thirty years running restaurants in the US. This is his second Lebanese restaurant – his first, Sahara, was located on 2nd Street in the Shore and is reputed to be the first Middle Eastern restaurant when it opened for a 14 year run in 1976.
Third, Lamb is the star of the menu. Lamb is one of the primary red meats in Lebanon – and so the bulk of the protein dishes on the menu here feature lamb. While there are chicken, beef and even shrimp dishes, lamb should be your first choice here.
The Lamb Shank is a favorite of mine – a hearty portion of lamb served on the bone but cooked until it is fork tender in a delicious blend of spices. Served atop potato stew, and along-side basmati pilaf with slivered almonds and vermicelli, it is guaranteed to please. The slightly gamey nature of lamb completely surrenders to the allspice, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and other spices in the sauce.
Another delicious lamb dish is the Kibbi be Sineeya. It’s made with ground lamb, cracked wheat, and pine nuts then baked and served with basmati rice, tabouli, yogurt, and a broiled tomato and pepper. The texture and flavor profile of the Kibbi is unlike any dish I’ve had before but quite delicious, especially when folded into a pita and slathered with the yogurt.
As one would expect, their baba ghanoj (a mixture of grilled eggplant, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and spices) is a standout dish. Also excellent were the other appetizers especially the Karnabeet (fried cauliflower) and Sam Busek (pastry shells stuffed with ground meat, onion and pine nuts). And, even though I was so stuffed I could barely eat, I still had the Baklawa which was the perfect sweet and crunchy end to the meal.
I cannot wait to go back – and I am sure you will feel the same after eating here.
Baba Ghanouj
4276 Atlantic Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-4567
www.babaghanoujrestaurant.com